28 months ago, Luke and I witnessed an endangered New Zealand sea lion/pakake bull being harassed by a truck on Cannibal Bay in the Clutha Region.
28 months ago, I wrote approximately 30 letters to local councillors, politicians and organisations expressing my concerns about sea lions safety.
27 months ago, after receiving unsatisfactory responses to my letters, I created a petition on Change.org.
27 months – present, I spoke / met with locals, councillors, politicians, Iwi, sea lion specialists, and local organisations such as Forest & Bird, New Zealand Sea Lion Trust, Department of Conservation and Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust. Countless hours were spent reading verified sources about sea lions and vehicular vandalism, and observing sea lions in their natural habitat. I spoke with the media about sea lions. Alongside Amanda Nally, I spoke to primary schools in Invercargill about sea lions.
3 months – present, I submitted a written submission for the ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ and ‘Dog Control Bylaw’ and gave a verbal submission before the Clutha District Council.
The ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’ has been voted into law and will take effect on the 1st of January 2023. This means:
– People driving on beaches are required to do so in a way that does not threaten the safety of people, plants or native animals.
– Vehicles are not allowed on sand dunes, except to access the beach.
– Vehicles are not allowed to drive along the beach above the high-water mark, except in emergencies.
While I had hoped for more stringent regulations, I am appreciative to the Clutha District Council for voting in the ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’. This is a positive step in the right direction.
Thank you to the people who signed the petition and who made submissions in support of the ‘Vehicles on Beaches Bylaw’; without the public’s support none of this would have been possible!
Photo: Sian Mair. Taken from 10 meters away and zoomed in.